Apple Watch 40mm vs. 44mm: Which Apple Watch size should you get?

Once you've decided which Apple Watch model you're going to buy, the most important decision you need to make is size. Historically, there have always been two Apple Watch sizes of any given model, one smaller, and one larger. Right now, Apple's entry-level SE offers a 40mm and a 44mm variant for prospective customers, while its pricier Series 9 and Ultra 2 models are both larger. 

Beyond the look and feel, there are a couple of technical differences to note between the two models that might influence your decision, so here are all the differences between the 40mm and 44mm Apple Watch, both for Apple's current SE and older generations that feature this form factor.

Apple Watch 40mm vs. 44mm: Time to compare

Unlike traditional watches, which measure case size horizontally, Apple measures the Apple Watch vertically. The two models in question here measure 40mm and 44mm in height and are 34mm and 38mm wide respectively. 

Swipe to scroll horizontally
Header Cell - Column 0 40mm44mm
Display area759 sq mm977 sq mm
Display size394 x 324 pixels32 x 394 pixels
Entry-level GPS$249$279
Entry-level Cellular$299$329

The size differences between the Apple Watch SE, Apple Watch Series 4, Apple Watch Series 5, and Apple Watch Series 6 models might not sound like very much — but the extra 4mm in case size nets you a 28% larger screen. 

The rounded rectangular shape of the Apple Watch makes it hard to compare directly with your average round watch. Still, neither of the Apple Watches would be considered overly wide or high in the traditional watch world. Big watches are typically closer to 45mm wide.

Apple Watch Comparison

Apple Watch series 4 sizes (Image credit: iMore)

Even if you think you want to go small, you can still consider both sizes — neither is enormous — though those with smaller wrists may find the 40mm fits more comfortably.

The Apple Watch SE, Apple Watch Series 4, Apple Watch Series 5, and Apple Watch Series 6's two case sizes also translate to two different display sizes. Both are Retina-quality, which means the pixels are invisible to the naked eye at normal viewing distance. The bigger Apple Watch simply has more of those pixels:

  • The 40mm Apple Watch has a display size of 394x324 pixels
  • The 44mm Apple Watch has a display size of 448x368 pixels

When it comes to picking pixel density with Apple Watch 40mm vs. 44mm, watchOS will fill whatever size display you choose, and for many people, it won't make any difference. That said, if you want more pixels, which translates into bigger text and images, it's worth considering the larger option

Apple Watch 40mm vs 44mm: Depth 

Unlike the Watch's two height options and two display densities, there's no difference when it comes to the thickness (or thinness) of the Apple Watch 40mm vs. 44mm, both measure 10.7mm. 

That's because, unlike traditional mechanical or digital watches, the Apple Watch case has to hold a Retina display, the system-in-a-package (chipset), a battery, and sensors. If you're trying to figure out which Apple Watch will best fit under the tight cuffs of your shirt, they're both about the same.

Apple Watch 40mm vs. 44mm: His and hers?

Because there are two sizes, and because some of Apple's bands are unique to one size or another, some have tried to simplify the size discussion down to "hers" and "his."

People come in all shapes and sizes, though, and so do tastes. Some women will want the bigger Apple Watch, and some men, the smaller one. Some people with small wrists will want the bigger watch and vice versa.

All this to say — get the size you prefer. Try both on, and see which one better fits your wrist, style, and personality. That's why Apple has sizes, after all, and why both sizes come with identical features.

Apple Watch 40mm vs. 44mm: Band Bias

Apple Watch Comparison

Apple Watch bands (Image credit: iMore)

Nearly all Apple Watch bands fit their respective Apple Watch sizes. For example, a "small" Apple Watch band that works with an older 38mm watch will also fit a "small" variant of the larger-sized models, the 40mm and the 41mm models now available. Likewise, a band from an old "large" model, the 42mm, model, will fit a 44mm and a 45mm model. You can't use a "small" band with a "large" watch and vice versa, however, otherwise, there is no difference in which bands you can use based on choosing the 40mm or 44mm Apple Watch. Apple boasts a broad array of sport loops and bands, Nike and Hermès, stainless steel, and more in both. 

Apple Watch 40mm vs. 44mm: Battery life

The 44mm Apple Watch SE, Apple Watch Series 4, Apple Watch Series 5, and Apple Watch Series 6 have a slightly bigger battery than the 40mm watch due to more room in the casing. If battery life is most important to you, this is something to consider.

Apple Watch 40mm vs 44mm: Weight 

Naturally, being different sizes, the 40mm and 44mm Apple Watch cases are different weights. The 40mm GPS and GPS + Cellular versions weigh 26.4g and 27.8g respectively, while the 44mm versions are 32.9 and 33g respectively, that's a difference more than 10%!

Apple Watch 40mm vs. 44mm: Which should you buy?

Apple Watch Comparison

Apple Watch series 4 sizes (Image credit: iMore)

So while there are some advantages and disadvantages between the 40mm and 44mm Apple Watch models, they are largely negligible and the decision between the two should really come down to personal taste. While the larger one has a clearer screen and slightly better battery life, the smaller version is a bit lighter and also cheaper. In the end, the biggest factor will be which feels better and more comfortable on your wrist. 

Stephen Warwick
News Editor

Stephen Warwick has written about Apple for five years at iMore and previously elsewhere. He covers all of iMore's latest breaking news regarding all of Apple's products and services, both hardware and software. Stephen has interviewed industry experts in a range of fields including finance, litigation, security, and more. He also specializes in curating and reviewing audio hardware and has experience beyond journalism in sound engineering, production, and design.

Before becoming a writer Stephen studied Ancient History at University and also worked at Apple for more than two years. Stephen is also a host on the iMore show, a weekly podcast recorded live that discusses the latest in breaking Apple news, as well as featuring fun trivia about all things Apple. Follow him on Twitter @stephenwarwick9